How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
Australia’s most ambitious naval programme to date is Project Sea 1000, which will see 12 ‘regionally superior’ submarines enter service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Naval Group hosted a whole-day presentation at the Pacific International Maritime Exhibition in Sydney and, to hear the presenters without digging beneath the surface, the programme is going swimmingly.
However, Shephard has previously reported on troubles within the Future Submarine programme that will see the first boat supposedly enter service in 2032, assuming further delays do not occur.
RAdm Greg Sammut, general manager submarines for the Capability and Sustainment Group (CASG), told attendees,
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The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
The US Coast Guard is expected to acquire new aircraft, helicopters, vessels and ISR sensors this fiscal year using resources from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.